RECENT LITERATURE. 71 



bited several varieties of British species of Lepidoptera, among which 

 were some exceedingly dark specimens of Melitcea aurinia, and one 

 diapliauous example ; aberrations of Lithosia lutareLla, TJujatira batis, 

 Apainea unanimis ; also series of Sesia sphegiformis, Xanthia aurago 

 (variable), X. gilvago, Dasycampa riibiginea, Calijmnia pyralina, Psyche 

 opacella, and other species. Mr. W. E. Butler exhibited, among others, 

 varieties of Sm^rinthus tilm, Xanthia gilvago, X. aurago, and a very fine 

 aberration of Mamestra brassiccB. Mr. Clarke exhibited a long series of 

 Zygana Uifolii^ graduated from the typical form to var. confluens ; a 

 series of Stauropus fagi, including black and banded forms ; and other 

 interesting species. — Fred. W. Leslie, Hon. Sec. 



Nonpareil Entomological Society. — Meetings of the above Society 

 were held on October 17th and November 7th. On October 17th, Mr. 

 Jackson (President) exhibited some fine specimens of Larentia berberata, 

 L. flavicincta, Hydrcecia nictitans, Heliothis dipsaceus, Xanthia fulv ago, 

 TriphiBna orbona, T. subsequa, and many other species. Mr. Norman 

 exhibited bred specimens of Bombyx calluncB, Papilio machaon, P. poda- 

 lirius, Sphinx pinastri, S. ligustri, &c. ; also living larvae of Uropteryx 

 sambucata and Odonestis potatoria, and eggs of a third brood oi Arctia 

 caia. The Hon. Sec. exhibited some specimens of Arctia caia, which 

 emerged during the second week of September ; also some specimens 

 of Acidalia incanaria and Anarta myrtilli, taken from Hincheslen 

 during July this year. They appeared to be much larger than the 

 usual form taken near London. Mr. A. Norman showed living 

 examples of Sivarnmerdauna pyrella, the pupae of which were exhibited 

 a few weeks since. He also mentioned that he had a third brood of 

 larvae of Arctia caia feeding. — J. G. Craft, Assist. Sec. 



RECENT LITERATURE. 



The Cambridge Natural History. Vol. V. lusecta, Pt. I. By David 

 Sharp, M.A., M.B., F.R.S., &c. Pp. 83-584. 8vo. Macmillan 

 & Co., London & New York. 1895. 



The volume contains a monograph of the genus Peripatus, by 

 Adam Sedgwick, M.A., F.R.S., and one on Myriapods, by F. G. 

 Sinclair, M.A., as well as Dr. Sharp's Insecta ; but only the latter 

 falls within our province. 



In the introduction to his subject, Dr. Sharp gives a comprehensive 

 sketch of the external and internal structure of insects, also of their 

 embryology and metamorphosis, attaching primary importance to the 

 physiological processes of the latter ; the external features he regards 

 as being of lesser value. In fact, our author seems throughout to 

 insist that those who wish to understand insect-life scientifically must 

 study their subject from a physiological point of view. 



The number of orders recognised are nine. These are — 1, Aptera ; 

 2, Orthoptera ; 3, Neuroptera ; 4, Hymenoptera ; 5, Coleoptera; 6, 

 Lepidoptera ; 7, Diptera ; 8, Thysanopfcera ; 9, Hemiptera ; but only 

 the first four are considered in the present volume. The remainder 



